NV Camelot Merlot, California
Nearly transparent neon ruby color. Sweet aromas of dusty cherry and milk chocolate play off of darker berry fruits and a bright note of herbs. The wine has a light palate presence, with moderate tannins. An easy-drinking red at a great everyday… Read more
NV Camelot Chardonnay, California
Straw color. Surprisingly fresh aromas of peach and citrus, with a dollop of cream. Smooth and creamy in the mouth, with enough juicy acidity to balance the sweetness. All in all, a clean, pleasing white at a bargain price. MSRP: $7 (January… Read more
2009 Chateau Grand Verdus ‘Generation’ Bordeaux Superieur Rouge, France
The nose of this nearly translucent garnet, medium-bodied wine is very minty. In the mouth, it picks up some red fruit notes, framed by medium-grained chocolaty tannins that cut short the finish. MSRP: $12 (December 2012) Wine Lines rating:… Read more
2010 Bonterra Zinfandel, Mendocino County
Nearly transparent garnet color. Aromas of black pepper, raspberry and plum lead to sweet red fruit on the palate, where fine but drying tannins shorten the finish. Try with smoked tri-tip. MSRP: $15.99 (October 2012) Wine Lines rating:… Read more
2010 Save Me, San Francisco Wine Company ‘California 37’ Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Translucent ruby color. Sweet aromas of tobacco, cedar, dill weed, cherry and vanilla lead to rounded, herb-tinged cherry and currant fruit in the mouth. The wine is medium in body, with silty tannins at the finish. Serve with sharp cheeses and… Read more
2010 Kendall-Jackson ‘Vintner’s Reserve’ Riesling, Monterey County
Medium straw color. This vintage shows more restrained, moderate aromatics than usual, with light floral notes and a bit of stone fruit. Still, the wine is nicely balanced in the mouth. An odd toffee note lingers at the finish. MSRP: $13 (September… Read more
2009 Clayhouse ‘Adobe Red,’ Paso Robles
Opaque purple/plum color. This is a Zinfandel-based wine that includes major dollops of Petite Sirah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot. It offers rustic scents of dusty plum, brown sugar and menthol, with moderate larger-grained… Read more
2011 Brys Estate Pinot Blanc, Michigan
Light, delicate aromas of ripe pear that fade softly into puckery apple and citrus in the mouth. Muted, short finish of sweet lemon curd. Round and very drinkable, but there’s not much complexity here. MSRP: $24 (August 2012) Wine Lines Rating:… Read more
2009 Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
Translucent ruby color. Tar and cedar notes precede moderate red currant fruit, shaded with some herbal notes. Light tannins make this accessible today. MSRP: $16 (August 2012) Wine Lines rating:… Read more
2008 Pomar Junction Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
Nearly opaque black/purple color. A full-bodied red with dried currant and plum fruit, followed by a note of spice. MSRP: $34 (August 2012) Wine Lines rating:… Read more
